JP2006142952A - Grounding place determination device and method in rolling over - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a grounding place determination device in rolling over capable of appropriately operating an occupant protection device corresponding to a grounding place of the vehicle body upper part in rolling over. <P>SOLUTION: Deformation of the initial grounding place of a roof in rolling over is detected by a deformation detection means 20, the grounding place of the roof R is determined by an output signal of the deformation detection means 20, and the occupant protection devices 1A, 1B appropriately corresponding to the grounding place in rolling over can be operated by operating a specified occupant protection devices 1A, 1B with a protection device operation means 30 according to the deformation place. Since the deformation detection means 20 is made to be sensors 20A to 20D outputting the signal waveform according to the initial grounding place of the roof, the actual grounding place of the roof in rolling over is precisely detected and the occupant protection effect can be improved by preventing erroneous operation of the specified occupant protection device 1A or 1B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a grounding location determination device and a grounding location determination method when a vehicle is rolled over.

  As a conventional occupant protection measure at the time of rollover (rollover), there is a control device for an occupant protection device as shown below, which is a vehicle state represented by the roll angle of the vehicle and the roll rate of the vehicle. When entering a rollover region defined by a threshold line that defines the relationship between the roll angle and the roll rate, or when the vehicle condition is defined by a threshold line that defines the relationship between the lateral acceleration and the roll rate. When entering the rollover region, it is determined that rollover occurs in the vehicle.

Then, when only the occupant protection device on the rollover side is activated, and then it is determined that the vehicle further rolls, the occupant protection device is activated appropriately at the time of rollover of the vehicle by activating the vehicle protection device that is not the rollover side. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200962 (pages 4-6, FIG. 1)

  However, in such a conventional control device for an occupant protection device, the assumed rollover region is determined based on detection signals from a lateral acceleration sensor and a roll angle sensor. This is based on the assumption that the vehicle body will be grounded sequentially.

  However, when the vehicle rolls over due to rollover, the initial grounding occurs when the vehicle is grounded from the rolled side, when it is grounded from the side opposite to the side where the vehicle bounces and rolls, and near the center of the vehicle roof. There are three possible grounding conditions for grounding.

  As described above, since the ground contact portion of the roof on the upper surface of the vehicle body at the time of rollover is not necessarily the rolled side, it may be difficult for the conventional control device to properly operate the occupant protection device. There is.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a grounding location determination device and a grounding location determination method at the time of rollover that can appropriately operate the occupant protection device corresponding to the grounding location at the top of the vehicle body at the time of rollover.

In the grounding location determination device at the time of rollover according to the present invention, a plurality of occupant protection devices that are arranged on the left and right sides of the passenger compartment to protect the occupant in an emergency,
Deformation detecting means for detecting deformation of the initial ground contact point of the roof at the time of rollover;
And a protective device operating means for determining a grounding location of the roof based on an output signal of the deformation detection means, and operating a specific occupant protection device according to the deformation location,
The main feature of the deformation detection means is that it is a sensor that outputs a signal waveform corresponding to the initial grounding location of the roof.

  In addition, the method for determining a grounding location at the time of rollover according to the present invention uses a sensor that outputs a signal waveform corresponding to a deformed location of the roof, detects the initial grounding location of the roof at the time of rollover with this sensor, and outputs the sensor. The initial grounding location of the roof is determined from the signal waveform, and a specific occupant protection device among a plurality of occupant protection devices is operated according to the deformed location.

  According to the grounding location determination device and the grounding location determination method of the present invention, the deformation detection means detects the deformation of the initial grounding location of the roof during the rollover, and the deformation location of the roof detected by the protection device operating means. Accordingly, by operating a specific occupant protection device among the plurality of occupant protection devices, it is possible to operate the occupant protection device appropriately corresponding to the grounding location at the time of rollover.

  At this time, since the sensor for detecting the deformation of the roof outputs a signal waveform according to the initial grounding location of the roof, it is possible to accurately detect the actual grounding location of the roof at the time of rollover. As a result, malfunction of a specific occupant protection device can be prevented, and the occupant protection effect can be enhanced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 10 show a first embodiment of a ground contact point judging device at the time of rollover according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view showing a skeleton structure of a vehicle body, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an arrangement state of sensors, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a skeleton structure around a roof, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a magnetic field generated in the sensor, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a voltage waveform of the sensor when grounded from the left side of the roof at the time of rollover, and FIG. 8 is a case of grounding from the right side of the roof at the time of rollover 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the voltage waveform of the sensor, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the voltage waveform of the sensor when grounding from the approximate center of the roof at the time of rollover, and FIG. Is an explanatory view showing the algorithm.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ground contact point judging device at the time of rollover according to the first embodiment is arranged on the left and right sides of the passenger compartment of the automobile M, and left as a plurality of occupant protection devices that protect the occupant C in an emergency. The right curtain airbags 1A and 1B, the sensor 20 as a deformation detecting means for detecting the deformation of the initial grounding location of the roof R at the time of rollover, the grounding location of the roof R is determined from the output signal of this sensor 20, A controller 30 as a protection device actuating means for actuating a specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B according to the deformation location, and the sensor 20 outputs a signal waveform according to the initial grounding location of the roof R. To fourth sensors 20A to 20D.

  In the present embodiment, an RO detection sensor 31 that detects rollover is provided at the front of the vehicle, and a rollover detection signal from the RO detection sensor 31 is input to the controller 30.

  In addition, the method for determining a grounding location at the time of rollover according to the present embodiment uses a sensor 20 that outputs a signal waveform corresponding to a deformed location of the roof R, and this sensor 20 detects the initial grounding location of the roof R at the time of rollover. The initial grounding location of the roof R is determined from the output signal waveform of the sensor 20, and the specific occupant protection device 1A or 1B among the plurality of occupant protection devices 1A, 1B is activated according to the deformation location. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor 20 detects deformation of the reinforcing member 10 disposed in the region A where the roof R contacts the ground during rollover.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the region A includes a straight line La connecting a vehicle front left upper end (upper end of the left front pillar 2A) P1 and a vehicle front right upper end (upper end of the right front pillar 2B) P2, A straight line Lb connecting the front left upper end portion P1 of the vehicle and a substantially central portion (upper end portion of the left center pillar 4A) P3 in the front-rear direction of the left upper edge of the vehicle upper end portion (left roof side rail 3A); A straight line Lc connecting the vehicle upper end portion right edge (right roof side rail 3B) in the front-rear direction substantially central portion (upper end portion of the right center pillar 4B) P4 and the vehicle upper end portion left / right edge substantially in the front-rear direction center P3. , P4 are specified as a range surrounded by a straight line Ld.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of left and right roof side rails 3A and 3B are connected to a front roof rail 5 and a rear roof rail 6 across the front end portion and the rear end portion, respectively, and these roof side rails 3A and 3B and The front and rear roof rails 5 and 6 form a flat rectangular roof skeleton.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reinforcing member 10 includes a first reinforcing frame 10A that connects a vehicle front left upper end portion P1 and a substantially central portion P4 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle upper end right portion (right roof side rail 3B). And a second reinforcing frame 10B connecting the vehicle front right upper end portion P2 and the vehicle upper end left side edge (left roof side rail 3A) in the front-rear direction substantially central portion P3. 2 Reinforcement frames 10A and 10B are joined at the intersections of each other, and the intersection joint 10C is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction, and the bending strength of the intersection joint 10C is set to the first and second reinforcement frames 10A and 10B. Of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A, 10B by the first to fourth sensors 20A-20D constituting the sensor 20. Each of the front frame 10A1,10B1 as a vehicle front than the difference junction 10C, so as to detect the respective rear frame 10A2,10B2 as a vehicle rear, the deformation than crossing junction 10C.

  That is, the front frame 10A1 of the first reinforcing frame 10A is from the cross joint 10C to the front pillar joint 3f of the left front pillar 2A, and the rear frame 10A2 is the center pillar joint of the right center pillar 4B from the cross joint 10C. The front frame 10B1 of the second reinforcing frame 10B is between the cross joint 10C and the front pillar joint 3f of the right front pillar 2B, and the rear frame 10B2 is from the cross joint 10C. The space extends to the center pillar joint 3g of the left center pillar 4A. The front frames 10A1, 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2 have the same cross-sectional area.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the cross joint portion 10C includes a substantially middle Ldc of the straight line Ld connecting the upper end of the left center pillar 4A and the upper end of the right center pillar 4B, and a substantially middle of the front roof rail 5 in the vehicle width direction. The cross joint portion 10C is arranged at the center in the vehicle width direction by being positioned on a straight line Le connecting Lac.

  An example of the structure around the roof R including the connecting portions of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B and the left and right front pillars 2A and 2B and the left and right center pillars 4A and 4B is shown on the left side of the automobile M. As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are formed in reverse hat-shaped cross sections projecting downward as shown in FIG. 5, and the front pillars 2A and 2B and the center pillars 4A and 4B are formed. Are formed in a triple structure by pillar inners 2c, 4c and pillar outers 2d, 4d, and pillar reinforcements 2e, 4e disposed between the inner and outer members.

  Even in the left and right roof side rails 3A and 3B, a triple structure of a roof side rail inner 3c, a roof side rail outer 3d, and a roof side rail reinforcement 3e is formed.

  A front pillar joint 3f is formed at the front end of the roof side rail inner 3c in a direction extending from the upper end of the pillar inner 2c of the front pillars 2A and 2B toward the center of the roof R, and the roof side rail inner 3c At the center, a center pillar joint 3g is formed in a direction extending from the upper end of the pillar inner 4c of the center pillars 4A and 4B toward the center of the roof.

  Then, the front end portion 10Af of the first reinforcing frame 10A is fitted and overlapped with the front pillar joint portion 3f, and the rear end portion 10Br of the second reinforcing frame 10B is fitted and overlapped with the center pillar joint portion 3g. They are joined together.

  On the other hand, a front roof rail joint 3h is formed at the front end of the roof side rail inner 3c so as to branch inward in the vehicle width direction so as to branch off from the front pillar joint 3f, and the vehicle of the front roof rail 5 is formed at the joint 3h. The ends in the width direction are joined. The rear roof rail 6 is joined to the roof side rails 3A and 3B with the same structure as the front roof rail 5.

  By the way, the above-mentioned peripheral structure on the left side of the roof R is the same even on the right side, and the front end portion 10Bf of the second reinforcing frame 10B is fitted to the front pillar joint portion 3f to be overlapped and joined, and the first reinforcing frame 10A. The rear end portion 10Ar is fitted and joined to the center pillar joint portion 3g.

  The first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B and the front and rear roof rails 5 and 6 have reverse hat-shaped cross sections including joints 3f, 3g, and 3h that connect both ends of the frames. The roof panel is joined to the flange K on the upper open side to form a closed section.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cross joint portion 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B intersects with a rectangular or rhombus shape by crossing the inverted hat-shaped cross sections of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B. By forming the rectangular or rhombus-shaped reinforcing ribs 11 along the inner peripheral shape so as to surround the inner periphery of the intersecting portion, the bending strength of the intersecting joint portion 10C is increased as described above. The first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are made larger than the general portions 10An and 10Bn.

  The first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D are respectively disposed on the front frames 10A1 and 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2 and 10B2 of the first and second reinforcing frames 1A and 1B as shown in FIG. The deformation states of the front frames 10A1, 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2 are detected.

  At this time, each information collection environment between the sensors 20A to 20D, that is, a space portion as an insulating means for preventing the magnetic fields Mf generated by the sensors 20A to 20D from interfering with each other as shown in FIG. S is provided.

  That is, the first sensor 20A is disposed in the rear frame 10A2 of the first reinforcement frame 10A, the second sensor 20B is disposed in the rear frame 10B2 of the second reinforcement frame 10B, and the third sensor 20C is The fourth sensor 20D is disposed on the front frame 10B1 of the second reinforcement frame 10B while being disposed on the front frame 10A1 of the first reinforcement frame 10A.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D are configured by a rectangular parallelepiped magnetic body 20m and a copper wire 20cu wound around the magnetic body 20m, and the magnetic body 20m has an inverted hat-shaped cross section. Are inserted into the groove portions of the front frames 10A1, 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2, respectively, and the copper wire 20cu is wound around the outer periphery of the front frames 10A1, 10B1, and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2 together with the magnetic body 20m. is there.

  The magnetic body 20m has the same cross-sectional shape and the same length as each of the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D, and the number of turns of the copper wire 20cu is the same for each of the sensors 20A to 20D. .

  In this way, the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D are configured as stress / strain sensors that detect changes in stress / strain caused by deformation of the member, and the magnetic field Mf generated as shown in FIG. The voltage value generated by the change is output.

  Therefore, when the automobile M rolls over and the roof R contacts the ground, any one of the front frames 10A1, 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2 of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A, 10B is partially set according to the grounding location. This is detected by the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D and a voltage signal is output. When the vehicle body is grounded from the left side of the roof R at the time of rollover, from the right side of the roof R In the case of grounding, the respective signal waveforms when grounding from substantially the center of the roof R are shown in FIGS.

(1) The signal waveforms W1 of the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D when grounded from the left side of the roof are the first peak voltages WC1 of the third sensor 20C at the first peak voltages WA1 to WD1, as shown in FIG. Is the highest, then the first peak voltage WA1 of the first sensor 20A is high, and, in the second peak voltages WA2 to WD2, the second peak voltage WB2 of the second sensor 20B is the highest, and then the fourth sensor 20D The second peak voltage WD2 increases.

(2) The signal waveforms W2 of the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D when grounded from the right side of the roof are the first peak voltage WD1 of the fourth sensor 20D at the first peak voltages WA1 to WD1, as shown in FIG. Is the highest, then the first peak voltage WB1 of the second sensor 20B is high, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the first sensor 20A is the highest among the second peak voltages WA2 to WD2, and then the third sensor 20C The second peak voltage WC2 increases.

(3) The signal waveforms W3 of the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D when grounded from the approximate center of the roof are the first peak voltages of the third sensor 20C at the first peak voltages WA1 to WD1, as shown in FIG. WC1 and the first peak voltage WD1 of the fourth sensor 20D are both highest, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the first sensor 20A and the second peak voltage WB2 of the second sensor 20B are the second peak voltages WA2 to WD2. Both are the highest.

  Therefore, by reading the signal waveforms of the voltages output from the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D, it is possible to detect the first grounding location of the roof R at the time of rollover. In this embodiment, FIG. The specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B can be selected and activated / deployed among the plurality of left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B by the above algorithm.

  That is, the algorithm detects rollover by the RO detection sensor 31 in step S1, and detects the respective voltage signals output from the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D in step S2 when the roof R is grounded.

  In step S3, the controller 30 determines the initial ground location from each voltage signal. The first peak voltage WC1 of the third sensor 20C is the highest, and then the first peak voltage WA1 of the first sensor 20A. Is high, the second peak voltage WB2 of the second sensor 20B is the highest, and then the second peak voltage WD2 of the fourth sensor 20D is high, the initial ground is determined to be the left side of the roof R in step S4, and step S5 First, the left curtain airbag 1A is actuated / deployed, and then the right curtain airbag 1B is actuated / deployed after a predetermined time in step S6.

  In step S3, the first peak voltage WD1 of the fourth sensor 20D is the highest, then the first peak voltage WB1 of the second sensor 20B is the highest, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the first sensor 20A is the highest, then When the second peak voltage WC2 of the third sensor 20C is high, the initial grounding is determined to be the right side of the roof R in step S7, the right curtain airbag 1B is first activated and deployed in step S8, and then predetermined in step S9. After the elapse of time, the left curtain airbag 1A is activated and deployed.

  Further, in step S3, the first peak voltages WC1 and WD1 of the third sensor 20C and the fourth sensor 20D are larger than the first peak voltages WA1 and WB1 of the first sensor 20A and the second sensor 20B, and the first sensor 20A When the second peak voltage and the second peak voltages WA2 and WB2 of the second sensor 20B are higher than the second peak voltages WC2 and WD2 of the third sensor 20C and the fourth sensor 20D, initial grounding is performed at the center of the roof R in step S10. In step S11, the left curtain airbag 1A and the right curtain airbag 1B are simultaneously activated and deployed.

  With the above configuration, according to the grounding location determination device and the grounding location detection method at the time of rollover according to the first embodiment, the first to fourth sensors 20A can deform the initial grounding location of the roof R at the time of rollover. Grounding at the time of rollover by operating a specific occupant protection device 10A or 10B of the plurality of curtain airbags 10A and 10B according to the deformation location of the roof R detected by ~ 20D and detected by the controller 30 The occupant protection device can be operated appropriately for the location.

  At this time, the sensors 20A to 20D for detecting the deformation of the roof R output a signal waveform in accordance with the initial grounding location of the roof R, so that the actual grounding location of the roof R at the time of rollover is accurately determined. It is possible to detect well, and as a result, the malfunction of the specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B can be prevented and the passenger protection effect can be enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor 20 including the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D detects the deformation of the reinforcing member 10 disposed in the region A where the roof R contacts the ground at the time of rollover. The deformation can be efficiently detected by the sensor 20 due to the rigidity of 10, and the operation of the curtain airbags 1A and 1B can be performed accurately.

  Further, the reinforcing member 10 includes first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B that connect P1, P2, P3, and P4 corresponding to the peripheral corners of the region A in an X shape, and the sensor 20 includes Since the deformation of the front frames 10A1 and 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2 and 10B2 of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B is detected, the region A is covered by the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B. The sensor 20 can reliably detect the initial grounding location at the time of rollover.

  At this time, the bending strength of the cross joint portion 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B is made larger than the general portions 10An and 10Bn of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B by providing the reinforcing ribs 11. Therefore, the deformation of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B can be detected with high sensitivity by the sensor 20, and as a result, a more accurate signal can be output.

  Furthermore, the sensor 20 is constituted by first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D, and these sensors 20A to 20D are arranged on the front frames 10A1, 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2 of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A, 10B. Since the deformation states of the front frames 10A1, 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2, 10B2 are detected, the sensors 20A-20D can detect the initial grounding location at the time of rollover, that is, the roof left initial grounding or the roof right initial grounding. It can be easily detected whether the grounding or the roof center initial grounding, and the curtain airbags 1A and 1B can be operated more accurately.

  Further, since the space portion S is provided between the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D to prevent the magnetic fields Mf generated by the sensors 20A to 20D from interfering with each other, the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D. Thus, the accuracy of the deformation detection signal output from can be further increased, and as a result, the detection accuracy of the initial ground contact point at the time of rollover can be improved.

  Further, the first to fourth sensors 20A to 20D are configured as stress / strain sensors that detect a change in stress / strain caused by deformation of a member, and output a voltage value caused by a change in the generated magnetic field Mf. As a result, the transmission speed of the signal waveform differs depending on the axial stress and bending stress, making it easier to transmit the axial stress and bending stress, improving the detection accuracy of deformation during rollover, and outputting the voltage The deformed portion can be clearly determined from the signal waveform, and the curtain airbags 1A and 1B can be operated more accurately.

  11 to 17 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted, and FIG. 11 is a sensor arrangement state. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforcing member, FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A in FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the sensor, and FIG. 15 is a BB line in FIG. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line, FIG. 16 shows the voltage waveform of the sensor during rollover when grounded from the left side of the roof in (a), grounded from the right side of the roof in (b), and grounded from the approximate center of the roof in (c). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an algorithm from the detection of rollover to the operation of the occupant protection device.

  The apparatus for determining a ground contact point at the time of rollover according to the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the reinforcing member 10 is provided in a region A where the roof R contacts the ground at the time of rollover as shown in FIG. The reinforcing member 10 includes first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B arranged in an X shape with the same configuration as in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. The second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are provided with sensors 21 as deformation detecting means, and the cross-joining portions 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are reinforced by rectangular reinforcing ribs 11.

  In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B and the sensor 20 that detects the deformation of the initial ground contact point of the roof R at the time of rollover. The above-described sensor 21, the grounding location of the roof R is determined based on the output signal of the sensor 21, and the controller 30 that operates a specific curtain airbag 1 </ b> A or 1 </ b> B according to the deformation location, and RO detection that detects rollover Sensor 31.

  The sensor 21 includes two fifth sensors 21A and a sixth sensor 21B arranged at the cross-joining portion 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B, and one of the fifth sensors 21A serves as the first reinforcing frame 10A. The deformation state is detected, and the deformation state of the second reinforcement frame 10B is detected by the other sixth sensor 21B.

  The fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B are arranged in the reinforcing rib 11 of the cross joint 10C as shown in FIG. 13, and the fifth sensor 21A is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 10Cb of the cross joint 10C. A sixth sensor 21B is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate 10Cb.

  At this time, the fifth sensor 21A is arranged at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the first reinforcing frame 10A, and the sixth sensor 21B is arranged at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the second reinforcing frame 10B.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B are configured as stress / strain sensors that incorporate a magnetic body 21m around which a copper wire 21cu is wound, and detect changes in stress / strain. Yes, the value of the voltage generated by the change of the generated magnetic field is output.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the cross joint portion 10C to which the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B are attached is formed with an opening portion 11Ch at the center portion of the bottom plate 10Cb. A pair of upper and lower gentle truncated cones 12 and 12a are attached so as to be closed from both sides, the fifth sensor 21A is attached to the upper truncated cone 12, and the sixth sensor 21B is attached to the lower truncated cone 12a. It is.

  The information collection environment of the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B, that is, the magnetic fields generated from the sensors 21A and 21B interfere with each other in the sealed space formed between the upper and lower truncated cones 12 and 12a. The nonmagnetic material 13 is filled as an insulating means for preventing the above.

  Even in this embodiment, the front and rear frames 10A1, 10B1 and rear frames 10A2, 10B2 of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A, 10B have the same cross-sectional area.

  Accordingly, when the automobile M rolls over and the roof R is grounded, the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are partially deformed as in the first embodiment, and the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21A are changed. A voltage signal is detected and output at 21B. When the roll is over, grounding from the left side of the roof R, grounding from the right side of the roof R, and grounding from substantially the center of the roof R, respectively. The signal waveform is shown in FIG.

(1) The signal waveforms W4 of the fifth and sixth sensors 21A, 21B when grounded from the left side of the roof are the first waveform of the fifth sensor 21A at the first peak voltages WA1, WB1, as shown in FIG. The peak voltage WA1 is higher than the first peak voltage WB1 of the sixth sensor 21B, and the second peak voltage WB2 of the sixth sensor 21B is higher than that of the fifth sensor 21A at the second peak voltages WA2 and WB2. It becomes higher than the two peak voltage WA2.

(2) The signal waveforms W5 of the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B when grounded from the right side of the roof are the first waveform of the sixth sensor 21B at the first peak voltages WA1 and WB1, as shown in FIG. The peak voltage WB1 is higher than the first peak voltage WA1 of the fifth sensor 21A, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the fifth sensor 21A is the second peak voltage WA2 of the sixth sensor 21B. It becomes higher than the two peak voltage WB2.

(3) The signal waveforms W4 of the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B when grounded from the center of the roof are the first waveform of the fifth sensor 21A at the first peak voltages WA1 and WB1, as shown in FIG. The peak voltage WA1 and the first peak voltage WB1 of the sixth sensor 21B are substantially equal, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the fifth sensor 21A and the second peak voltage of the sixth sensor 21B are the second peak voltages WA2 and WB2. WB2 is substantially equal.

  Therefore, even in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the first grounding point of the roof R at the time of rollover by reading the signal waveform of the voltage output from the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B. In this embodiment, a specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B is selected from a plurality of left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B according to the algorithm shown in FIG.

  That is, in the algorithm, when the roll detection is detected by the RO detection sensor 31 in step S20 and the roof R is grounded, the respective voltage signals output from the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B in step S21 and step S22 are obtained. Detect.

  In step S23, the controller 30 determines the initial ground location from each voltage signal, the first peak voltage WA1 of the fifth sensor 21A is higher than the first peak voltage WB1 of the sixth sensor 21B, and the sixth sensor When the second peak voltage WB2 of 21B is higher than the second peak voltage WA2 of the fifth sensor 21A, the initial grounding is determined to be the left side of the roof R in step S24, and the left curtain airbag 1A is first activated in step S25. Next, in step S26, the right curtain airbag 1B is activated and deployed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Also, the first peak voltage WB1 of the sixth sensor 21B is higher than the first peak voltage WA1 of the fifth sensor 21A, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the fifth sensor 21A is the second peak voltage WB2 of the sixth sensor 21B. If it is higher, the initial grounding is determined to be the left side of the roof R in step S27, the right curtain airbag 1B is first actuated and deployed in step S28, and then the left curtain airbag 1A is elapsed after a predetermined time in step S29. Actuate / deploy.

  Furthermore, the first peak voltage WA1 of the fifth sensor 21A and the first peak voltage WB1 of the sixth sensor 21B are substantially equal, and the second peak voltage WA2 of the fifth sensor 21A and the second peak voltage of the sixth sensor 21B When WB2 is substantially equal, the initial grounding is determined to be the central portion of the roof R in step S30, and the left curtain airbag 1A and the right curtain airbag 1B are simultaneously activated and deployed in step S31.

  According to the above-described configuration, according to the ground contact point determination device at the time of rollover according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. 5 sensor 21A and 6th sensor 21B, which are arranged at the cross joint 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B, detects the initial ground contact point of the roof from the signal waveforms of the two sensors 21A and 21B. Since it was made possible, the number of sensors 21A and 21B can be reduced compared to the first embodiment, and the operation control of the curtain airbags 1A and 1B at the time of rollover can be appropriately performed.

  Of course, even in this embodiment, the nonmagnetic material 13 is provided between the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B to prevent the magnetic fields generated from the sensors 21A and 21B from interfering with each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the deformation detection signal to be output and thus improve the detection accuracy of the initial grounding location at the time of rollover.

  In addition, the fifth and sixth sensors 21A and 21B are configured as stress / strain sensors that detect changes in stress / strain, as in the first embodiment, and output voltage values generated by changes in the generated magnetic field Mf. Therefore, the curtain airbags 1A and 1B can be operated more accurately by increasing the detection accuracy of deformation during rollover.

  18 to 26 show a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the same components as those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted, and FIG. FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforcing member, FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion C in FIG. 19, FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the sensor, and FIG. 22 is a plane showing the magnetic field generated in the sensor. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the voltage waveform of the sensor when grounding from the left side of the roof at the time of rollover, FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the voltage waveform of the sensor when grounding from the right side of the roof at the time of rollover, and FIG. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an algorithm from the detection of rollover to the operation of the occupant protection device.

  The grounding location judging device at the time of rollover according to the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the reinforcement arranged in the region A where the roof R is grounded at the time of rollover as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the member 10 includes first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B arranged in an X shape with the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and these first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B. In addition, a sensor 22 is provided as a deformation detecting means, and the cross joint portion 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B is reinforced by a rectangular reinforcing rib 11.

  Even in this embodiment, the front and rear frames 10A1, 10B1 and rear frames 10A2, 10B2 of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A, 10B have the same cross-sectional area.

  In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B and the sensor 20 that detects the deformation of the initial ground contact point of the roof R at the time of rollover. The sensor 22 to be replaced, the grounding location of the roof R based on the output signal of the sensor 22, the controller 30 for operating a specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B according to the deformation location, and RO detection for detecting rollover Sensor 31.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the sensor 22 is arranged at the cross junction 10C. Inside the sensor 22, first to fourth deformation detectors 22a to 22d are provided as shown in FIG. The deformation states of the first and second reinforcement frames 10A and 10B are detected by the cooperation of the plurality of deformation detection units 22a to 22d.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the sensor 22 is provided with four protrusions 22T1 to 22T4 and formed in a cross shape as a whole. The deformation detection parts 22a to 22d are provided in the protrusions 22T1 to 22T4. Built-in at equal intervals.

  A mounting hole 22Th is formed at the tip of each of the protrusions 22T1 to 22T4, and as shown in FIG. 20, the sensor 22 is provided in the cross-joining portion 10C via a bolt outside the drawing inserted into the mounting hole 22Th. It is attached to the bottom plate 10Cb in the rectangular reinforcing rib 11.

  Each of the first to fourth deformation detection units 22a to 22d is constituted by a rectangular parallelepiped magnetic body 22m and a copper wire 22cu wound around the magnetic body 22m, so that each of the stress / strain caused by deformation of the member is obtained. The sensor is configured as a stress / strain sensor for detecting a change, and outputs a voltage value generated by a change in the magnetic field Mf generated as shown in FIG.

  The magnetic body 22m is formed in the same cross-sectional shape and length by the first to fourth deformation detection units 22a to 22d, respectively, and the number of turns of the copper wire 22cu is the first to fourth deformation detection. The portions 22a to 22d are the same.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, non-magnetic as an insulating means for preventing the respective information collection environments from interfering with each other between the center portions of the deformation detection units 22a to 22d arranged in a cross shape. A body 13A is provided.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, the first to fourth deformation detectors 22a to 22d are arranged so that the N and S poles of the magnetic bodies 22m are different from each other in the adjacent magnetic bodies 22m. Thus, an independent magnetic field Mf is generated in each of the deformation detection units 22a to 22d.

  The sensor 22 is arranged such that a straight line connecting the first deformation detection unit 22a and the second deformation detection unit 22b is perpendicular to the rear frame 10B2 of the second reinforcement frame 10B, and the second deformation detection unit 22b The straight line connecting the third deformation detection unit 22c is perpendicular to the front frame 10A1 of the first reinforcement frame 10A, and the straight line connecting the third deformation detection unit 22c and the fourth deformation detection unit 22d is the second reinforcement frame 10B. The straight line connecting the fourth deformation detector 22d and the first deformation detector 22a is perpendicular to the front frame 10B1, and is perpendicular to the rear frame 10A2 of the first reinforcement frame 10A.

  Accordingly, when the automobile M rolls over and the roof R is grounded, the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are partially deformed as in the first embodiment, and this is changed to the first to fourth of the sensor 22. The deformation detection units 22a to 22d detect and output a voltage signal. At the time of rollover, when grounding from the left side of the roof R, when grounding from the right side of the roof R, grounding from substantially the center of the roof R Each signal waveform in the case of doing is shown in FIGS.

(1) The signal waveforms W7 of the first to fourth deformation detectors 22a to 22d when grounded from the left side of the roof are the second and third deformation detectors at the first peak voltages Wa1 to Wd1, as shown in FIG. The first peak voltages Wb1 and Wc1 of 22b and 22c are higher than the first peak voltages Wa1 and Wd1 of the first and fourth deformation detectors 22a and 22d, and the second peak voltages Wa2 to Wd2 The second peak voltages Wa2 and Wb2 of the second deformation detectors 22a and 22b are higher than the second peak voltages Wc2 and Wd2 of the third and fourth deformation detectors 22c and 22d.

(2) The signal waveforms W8 of the first to fourth deformation detection units 22a to 22d when grounded from the right side of the roof are the third and fourth deformation detection units at the first peak voltages Wa1 to Wd1, as shown in FIG. The first peak voltages Wc1 and Wd1 of 22c and 22d are higher than the first peak voltages Wa1 and Wb1 of the first and second deformation detectors 22a and 22b, and the first and second peak voltages Wa2 to Wd2 The second peak voltages Wa2 and Wd2 of the fourth deformation detectors 22a and 22d are higher than the second peak voltages Wb2 and Wc2 of the second and third deformation detectors 22b and 22c.

(3) The signal waveforms W9 of the first to fourth deformation detectors 22a to 22d when grounded from the approximate center of the roof are the second, third, and third signals at the first peak voltages Wa1 to Wd1, as shown in FIG. The first peak voltages Wb1, Wc1, Wd1 of the four deformation detection units 22b, 22c, 22d are higher than the first peak voltage Wa1 of the first deformation detection unit 22a, and the first peak voltages Wa2-Wd2 are the first The second peak voltages Wa2, Wb2, and Wd2 of the second and fourth deformation detection units 22a, 22b, and 22d are higher than the second peak voltage Wc2 of the third deformation detection unit 22c.

  Therefore, even in the present embodiment, the first ground contact portion of the roof R at the time of rollover is detected by reading the signal waveform of the voltage output from the first to fourth deformation detection units 22a to 22d of the sensor 22. In this embodiment, a specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B is selected and activated / deployed among the plurality of left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B by the algorithm shown in FIG.

  That is, the algorithm detects a rollover by the RO detection sensor 31 in step S40, and detects each voltage signal output from the first to fourth deformation detection units 22a to 22d in step S41 when the roof R is grounded. To do.

  In step S42, the controller 30 determines the initial ground location from each voltage signal, and the first peak voltages Wb1 and Wc1 of the second deformation detection unit 22b and the third deformation detection unit 22c are changed to the first deformation detection unit 22a and the first deformation detection unit 22a. The first peak voltages Wa1 and Wd1 of the fourth deformation detection unit 22d are higher than the first peak voltages Wa1 and Wd1, and the second peak voltages Wa2 and Wb2 of the first deformation detection unit 22a and the second deformation detection unit 22b are the third deformation detection unit 22c and When higher than the second peak voltages Wc2 and Wd2 of the fourth deformation detector 22d, the initial grounding is determined to be the left side of the roof R in step S43, and the left curtain airbag 1A is first activated and deployed in step S44. In step S45, the right curtain airbag 1B is activated and deployed after a lapse of a predetermined time.

  Also, the first peak voltages Wc1 and Wd1 of the third deformation detection unit 22c and the fourth deformation detection unit 22d are higher than the first peak voltages Wa1 and Wb1 of the first deformation detection unit 22a and the second deformation detection unit 22b, When the second peak voltages Wa2 and Wd2 of the first deformation detection unit 22a and the fourth deformation detection unit 22d are higher than the second peak voltages Wb2 and Wc2 of the second deformation detection unit 22b and the third deformation detection unit 22c. In step S46, the initial grounding is determined to be the left side of the roof R. In step S47, the right curtain airbag 1B is first activated / deployed, and then in step S48, the left curtain airbag 1A is activated / deployed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Let

  Furthermore, the first peak voltage Wb1, the voltages Wc1, Wd1 of the second deformation detection unit 22b, the third deformation detection unit 22c, and the fourth deformation detection unit 22d are higher than the first peak voltage Wa1 of the first deformation detection unit 22a. In addition, the second peak voltages Wa2, Wb2, and Wd2 of the first deformation detector 22a, the second deformation detector 22b, and the fourth deformation detector 22d are higher than the second peak voltage Wc2 of the third deformation detector 22c. In step S49, the initial grounding is determined to be the central portion of the roof R, and in step S50, the left curtain airbag 1A and the right curtain airbag 1B are simultaneously activated and deployed.

  According to the above-described configuration, according to the ground contact point determination device at the time of rollover according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. 4th deformation | transformation detection part 22a-22d is provided, and it arrange | positions in the cross-joining part 10C of 10A of 1st, 2nd reinforcement frames, and 10B, 1st, 2nd reinforcement by cooperation of these deformation | transformation detection parts 22a-22d. Since the deformation states of the frames 10A and 10B are detected, the deformation locations of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are provided by providing a plurality of deformation detection units 22a to 22d even with one sensor 22. That is, since the initial ground contact point at the time of rollover can be detected with high accuracy, the number of sensors 22 can be reduced and the mounting workability can be improved.

  Further, the sensor 22 is provided with four protruding portions 22T1 to 22T4 and formed in a cross shape as a whole, and the deformation detecting portions 22a to 22d are built in the respective protruding portions 22T1 to 22T4, so that they are adjacent to each other. By directing the straight line connecting the deformation detection units 22a to 22d in the deformation detection direction, the deformation location can be accurately detected by the cooperation of the deformation detection units 22a to 22d.

  Further, even in the present embodiment, a non-magnetic material 13A is provided between the central portions of the deformation detection units 22a to 22d arranged in a cross so as to prevent the respective information collection environments from interfering with each other. As a result, the accuracy of the deformation detection signal to be output can be improved, and as a result, the detection accuracy of the initial ground contact point at the time of rollover can be improved.

  27 to 35 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted, and FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforcing member, FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion D in FIG. 28, FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the sensor, and FIG. 31 is a plane showing the magnetic field generated in the sensor. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the voltage waveform of the sensor when grounding from the left side of the roof at the time of rollover, FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the voltage waveform of the sensor when grounding from the right side of the roof at the time of rollover, and FIG. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing an algorithm from the detection of rollover to the operation of the occupant protection device.

  The apparatus for determining a ground contact point at the time of rollover according to the fourth embodiment has basically the same configuration as that of the first and third embodiments. In the area A where the roof R is grounded at the time of rollover as shown in FIG. The arranged reinforcing member 10 includes first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B arranged in an X shape with the same configuration as in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 28, and these first and second reinforcing frames. 10A and 10B are provided with a sensor 23 as a deformation detecting means, and the cross-joining portion 10C of the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B is reinforced by a rectangular reinforcing rib 11, and these first and second reinforcements are provided. The cross-sectional areas of the front frames 10A1 and 10B1 and the rear frames 10A2 and 10B2 of the frames 10A and 10B are made equal.

  In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B and the sensor 20 that detects the deformation of the initial ground contact point of the roof R at the time of rollover. The sensor 23 to be replaced, the grounding location of the roof R based on the output signal of the sensor 23, the controller 30 that operates the specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B according to the deformation location, and the RO detection for detecting rollover Sensor 31.

  The sensor 23 is arranged at the cross junction 10C as shown in FIG. 29, and the fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h are provided inside the sensor 23 as shown in FIG. The deformation states of the first and second reinforcement frames 10A and 10B are detected by the cooperation of the plurality of deformation detection units 23a to 23h.

  The sensor 23 is formed in a ring shape as shown in FIG. 30, and the eight deformation detection units 23a to 23h are arranged at equal intervals in the ring portion.

  Then, a pair of mounting portions 23K is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the annular sensor 23, and the mounting portions 23K are provided as bottom plates 10Cb in the rectangular reinforcing ribs 11 provided in the cross-joining portions 10C as shown in FIG. It is supposed to be attached to.

  Each of the fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h is constituted by a magnetic body 23m having a rectangular cross section formed in an arc shape and a copper wire 23cu wound around the magnetic body 23m. The sensor is configured as a stress / strain sensor that detects a change in the generated stress / strain, and outputs a voltage value generated by a change in the magnetic field Mf generated as shown in FIG.

  The magnetic body 23m is formed in the same cross-sectional shape and the same length by the fifth to twelfth deformation detection units 23a to 23h, and the number of turns of the copper wire 23cu is determined by the deformation detection units 23a to 23h. It is the same.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, non-magnetic as an insulating means for preventing the respective information collection environments from interfering with each other between the deformation detection units 23a to 23h and the central portion arranged in a ring shape. Body 13B, 13C is provided.

  At this time, in the fifth to twelfth deformation detection units 23a to 23h, as shown in FIG. 31, the N and S poles of the respective magnetic bodies 23m have different polarities at the facing portions of the adjacent magnetic bodies 23m. By arranging in, each of the deformation detectors 23a to 23h generates an independent magnetic field Mf.

  When the sensor 23 is attached to the cross joint 10C, the sixth deformation detector 23b is located at the rear of the vehicle, the tenth deformation detector 23f is located at the front of the vehicle, and the eighth deformation detector 23d is located leftward in the vehicle width direction. And the 12th deformation | transformation detection part 23h is each arrange | positioned toward the vehicle width direction right side.

  Therefore, when the automobile M rolls over and the roof R is grounded, the first and second reinforcing frames 10A and 10B are partially deformed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The deformation detectors 23a to 23h detect and output a voltage signal. At the time of rollover, when grounding from the left side of the roof R, when grounding from the right side of the roof R, grounding from substantially the center of the roof R Each signal waveform in the case of doing is shown in FIGS.

(1) The signal waveforms W10 of the fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h when grounded from the left side of the roof are the eighth to tenth deformation detectors at the first peak voltages Wa1 to Wh1, as shown in FIG. The first peak voltages Wd1, We1, and Wf1 of 23d, 23e, and 23f are the first peak voltages Wa1, Wb1, and Wc1 of the fifth to seventh, eleventh, and twelfth deformation detection units 23a, 23b, 23c, 23g, and 23h. , Wg1, Wh1, and the second peak voltages Wa2-Wh2, the second peak voltages Wb2, Wc2, Wd2 of the sixth to eighth deformation detectors 23b, 23c, 23d are the fifth, ninth- It becomes higher than the second peak voltages Wa2, We2, Wf2, Wg2, Wh2 of the twelfth deformation detectors 23a, 23e, 23f, 23g, 23h.

(2) The signal waveforms W11 of the fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h when grounded from the right side of the roof are the tenth to twelfth deformation detectors at the first peak voltages Wa1 to Wh1, as shown in FIG. The first peak voltages Wf1, Wg1, and Wh1 of 23f, 23g, and 23h are higher than the first peak voltages Wa1, Wb1, Wc1, Wd1, and We1 of the fifth to ninth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, and 23e. When the second peak voltages Wa2 to Wh2 are high, the second peak voltages Wa2, Wb2, and Wh2 of the fifth, sixth, and twelfth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, and 23h are the seventh to eleventh deformation detectors 23bc. , 23d, 23e, 23f, and 23g are higher than the second peak voltages Wc2, Wd2, We2, Wf2, and Wg2.

(3) The signal waveforms W12 of the fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h when grounded from the approximate center of the roof are the eighth to twelfth deformation detections at the first peak voltages Wa1 to Wd1, as shown in FIG. The first peak voltages Wd1, We1, Wf1, Wg1, Wh1 of the parts 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g, 23h are derived from the first peak voltages Wa1, Wb1, Wc1 of the fifth to seventh deformation detection parts 23a, 23b, 23c. And the second peak voltages Wa2, Wb2, Wc2, Wd2, Wh2 of the fifth to eighth, twelfth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23h are It becomes higher than the ninth to eleventh deformation detectors 23e, 23f, and 23g.

  Therefore, even in the present embodiment, the first grounding portion of the roof R at the time of rollover is detected by reading the signal waveform of the voltage output from the fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h of the sensor 23. In this embodiment, a specific curtain airbag 1A or 1B is selected from a plurality of left and right curtain airbags 1A and 1B according to the algorithm shown in FIG.

  That is, the algorithm detects the rollover by the RO detection sensor 31 in step S60, and detects the respective voltage signals output from the fifth to twelfth deformation detection units 23a to 23h in step S61 when the roof R is grounded. To do.

  In step S62, the controller 30 determines the initial ground location from each voltage signal, and the first peak voltages Wd1, We1, Wf1 of the eighth to tenth deformation detection units 23d, 23e, 23f are the fifth to seventh. , Eleventh and twelfth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, 23c, 23g, 23h, which are higher than the first peak voltages Wa1, Wb1, Wc1, Wg1, Wh1, and sixth to eighth deformation detectors 23b, 23c, The second peak voltages Wb2, Wc2, Wd2 of 23d are higher than the second peak voltages Wa2, We2, Wf2, Wg2, Wh2 of the fifth, ninth to twelfth deformation detection units 23a, 23e, 23f, 23g, 23h. In step S63, the initial grounding is determined to be the left side of the roof R, and in step S64, the left curtain airbag 1A is first activated and deployed. The right curtain airbag 1B is operated and develop after a predetermined time in step S65 to.

  Further, the first peak voltages Wf1, Wg1, Wh1 of the tenth to twelfth deformation detectors 23f, 23g, 23h are the first peak voltages Wa1 of the fifth to ninth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e. , Wb1, Wc1, Wd1, We1 and the second peak voltages Wa2, Wb2, Wh2 of the fifth, sixth and twelfth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, 23h are the seventh to eleventh deformation detectors. When the second peak voltages Wc2, Wd2, We2, Wf2, Wg2 of 23bc, 23d, 23e, 23f, and 23g are higher, the initial grounding is determined to be the left side of the roof R in step S66, and the right curtain airbag 1B is determined in step S67. Is actuated / deployed first, and then the left curtain airbag 1A is actuated / deployed after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S68.

  Further, the first peak voltages Wd1, We1, Wf1, Wg1, Wh1 of the eighth to twelfth deformation detectors 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g, and 23h are the same as the fifth to seventh deformation detectors 23a, 23b, and 23c. The second peak voltages Wa2, Wb2, Wc2, Wd2, and Wh2 of the fifth to eighth and twelfth deformation detectors 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, and 23h are higher than one peak voltage Wa1, Wb1, and Wc1, When higher than the ninth to eleventh deformation detection units 23e, 23f, and 23g, the initial grounding is determined to be the central portion of the roof R in step S69, and the left curtain airbag 1A and the right curtain airbag 1B are simultaneously set in step S70. Operate and deploy.

  With the above configuration, according to the ground contact point determination device at the time of rollover according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, the present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment. In addition, the sensor 23 detects the deformation state of the first and second reinforcement frames 10A and 10B by the cooperation of the plurality of fifth to twelfth deformation detectors 23a to 23h. Since the number of sensors 22 can be reduced and the mounting workability can be improved, and the number of deformation detectors 23a to 23h is increased compared to the third embodiment. The detection accuracy of the initial ground contact point can be further improved.

  In addition, since the sensor 23 has the eight deformation detectors 23a to 23h arranged in an annular shape at equal intervals, it is possible to increase the information of the initial ground contact points and further improve the detection accuracy.

  Further, even in the present embodiment, the non-magnetic materials 13B and 13C are provided between the deformation detection units 23a to 23h and in the central portion to prevent the respective information collection environments from interfering with each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the output deformation detection signal and further improve the detection accuracy of the initial ground contact point at the time of rollover.

  By the way, although the ground location determination apparatus at the time of rollover according to the present invention has been described by taking the example in the first to fourth embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and other implementations are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. Various forms can be adopted. For example, the occupant protection device is not limited to the curtain airbags 1A and 1B, and may be a device for protecting a seat belt and other occupants.

It is a vehicle body side view which shows roughly the arrangement | positioning state of the deformation | transformation detection means in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, a passenger | crew protection device, and a protection device action | operation means. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a skeleton structure of a vehicle body in a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the sensor in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the frame | skeleton structure around the roof in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the reinforcing member and sensor in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the magnetic field which generate | occur | produces in the sensor in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the roof left side at the time of rollover in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the roof right side at the time of rollover in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the approximate roof center at the time of rollover in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the algorithm from the detection of the rollover in 1st Embodiment of this invention to operating a passenger | crew protection apparatus. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the sensor in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the reinforcement member in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the A section in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the sensor in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an expanded sectional view along the BB line in FIG. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the voltage waveform of the sensor at the time of rollover when grounded from the left side of the roof in (a), when grounded from the right side of the roof in (b), and when grounded from the approximate center of the roof in (c) FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the algorithm from the detection of the rollover in 2nd Embodiment of this invention to operating a passenger | crew protection apparatus. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the sensor in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the reinforcement member in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the C section in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the sensor in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the magnetic field which generate | occur | produces in the sensor in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the roof left side at the time of rollover in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the roof right side at the time of rollover in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the approximate roof center at the time of rollover in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the algorithm from the detection of the rollover in 3rd Embodiment of this invention to operating a passenger | crew protection apparatus. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the sensor in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the reinforcement member in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the D section in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the sensor in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the magnetic field which generate | occur | produces in the sensor in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the roof left side at the time of rollover in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of the sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the roof right side at the time of rollover in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the voltage waveform of a sensor in the case of earth | grounding from the approximate roof center at the time of rollover in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the algorithm from the detection of the rollover in 4th Embodiment of this invention to operating a passenger | crew protection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B curtain airbag (occupant protection device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Reinforcement member 10A 1st reinforcement frame 10An General part 10A1 Front frame 10A2 Rear frame 10B 2nd reinforcement frame 10Bn General part 10B1 Front frame 10B2 Rear frame 10C Cross coupling part 20,21,22,23 Sensor (deformation detection means)
20A-20D 1st-4th sensor (stress / strain detection sensor)
21A, 21B Fifth and sixth sensors (stress / strain detection sensors)
22a-22d 1st-4th deformation | transformation detection part 23a-23h 5th-12th deformation | transformation detection part 30 Controller (protection device operation means)
M car (vehicle)
R Roof C Crew A Area where the roof contacts the ground Mf Magnetic field (information collection environment)

Claims (12)

A plurality of occupant protection devices respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the passenger compartment to protect the occupant in an emergency, and deformation detection means for detecting deformation of the initial ground contact point of the roof at the time of rollover,
And a protective device operating means for determining a grounding location of the roof based on an output signal of the deformation detection means, and operating a specific occupant protection device according to the deformation location,
The deformation detection means is a sensor that outputs a signal waveform corresponding to an initial ground contact location of the roof, and a ground contact location determination device during rollover.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor detects a deformation of the reinforcing member arranged in a region where the roof contacts the ground at the time of rollover. The reinforcing member includes a first reinforcing frame that connects a front left upper end portion of the vehicle and a substantially central portion in a front-rear direction of a right edge of the vehicle upper end portion;
A second reinforcing frame that connects a vehicle front right upper end portion and a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle upper end left side edge,
These first and second reinforcing frames are joined at each other's intersecting portion, and the intersecting joint portion is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction, and the bending strength of the intersecting joint portion is the general portion of the first and second reinforcing frames. Bigger than
The sensor detects deformation of each front frame that is in front of the vehicle with respect to the cross joint portion of the first and second reinforcing frames and each rear frame that is in the rear of the vehicle with respect to the cross joint portion. The apparatus for determining a ground contact point at the time of rollover according to claim 2.   4. The sensor according to claim 3, wherein the sensors are respectively disposed on a front frame and a rear frame of the first and second reinforcing frames, and detect a deformation state of each of the front frame and the rear frame. Grounding location determination device.   The sensor includes two sensors arranged at the cross joint portion, wherein one sensor detects a deformed state of the first reinforcing frame, and the other sensor detects a deformed state of the second reinforcing frame. Item 4. An apparatus for determining a ground contact point during rollover according to Item 3.   6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising insulating means for preventing the respective information collection environments from interfering with each other between the sensors.   The sensor includes a plurality of deformation detection units and is arranged at the cross-joint portion, and detects the deformation state of the first and second reinforcing frames by the cooperation of the plurality of deformation detection units. The ground contact point judging device at the time of rollover described in 1.   8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an insulating means for preventing the respective information collection environments from interfering with each other between the deformation detectors.   9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the deformation detectors are provided at four locations at equal intervals.   9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the deformation detectors are provided at eight locations at equal intervals.   9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a stress / strain sensor that detects a change in stress / strain caused by deformation of a member. Using a sensor that outputs a signal waveform corresponding to the deformed portion of the roof, this sensor detects the initial grounding location of the roof during rollover, determines the initial grounding location of the roof from the output signal waveform of the sensor, and the deformed location According to the method, a specific occupant protection device among a plurality of occupant protection devices is operated.

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